ALBUM TITLE:  We Are Only Sound

RELEASE DATE:  21 April 2023

LABEL: Hudson Records

LIVE:  Nationwide tour

‘We are only Sound’ is the long-awaited debut album from singer, composer, viola, fiddle and tenor guitar-player Lucy Farrell.  Lucy has been a prominent figure on the UK folk scene for many years with her skills much in demand by a plethora of esteemed folk artists, which has meant her solo career has taken a back seat. Until now.

‘We Are Only Sound’ is released on Hudson Records on 21 April supported by a UK tour from 6 – 31 March.

Paperthin is the first single from the album released on 9 February and is one of twelve self-penned songs that make up the collection that combine Lucy’s respect for traditional, as well as contemporary, songwriters.

‘We Are Only Sound’ was recorded in the glorious medieval surrounds of Much Wenlock Abbey, home to Nick Drake’s sister Gabrielle who gifted the recording space – as well as the use of her brother’s instruments  – through a mutual friend. Specifically, Nick Drake’s piano and guitar were tuned and used in the recording bestowing a unique quality to the album. Songs were recorded together, in one room, in one take.

Lucy’s crystalline vocals are highlighted by sparse accompaniment: the exquisite melodies interwoven with intricate – yet delicate – guitar playing and subtle electronic touches.  Songs are introspective and dreamy, written over a span of eight years during which Lucy experienced motherhood, breakups and all that comes with such heart and life changing events. “I think these themes and ideas are universal,” she says. “They would resonate for other people too.” Lucy continues, “I find it hard to articulate my thoughts in sentences – it’s much easier to muse through them in songs. It’s how I work through my feelings.  There’s a lot of wonderings in them, but no answers”.

Immersed in folk culture and traditions from birth (her father is a Molly dancer) Lucy has collaborated and played with many illustrious artists over the years including Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band, Gluepot, Modern Fairies and Carthy, Oates, Farrell & Young. There have been duo projects with Andrew Waite and Jonny Kearney and in 2017 she won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Group with The Furrow Collective.

With such a distinguished list of past projects ‘We are only Sound’ now shifts the focus firmly on to her. Through sophisticated song writing, elegant vocals and considered accompaniment, Farrell is carving out a unique niche for an artist at the forefront of contemporary English folk music.

Lucy is joined by Kris Drever (Lau) on guitar and vocals, Ben Nichols (Nadine Shah) on double bass, Tom Lenthall on piano, Neil McSweeney on bass and M G Boulter on slide guitar.

We Are Only Sound is released on Hudson Records and  is available on CD, vinyl and digital on 21 April 2023

Live dates 2023:

6 March               Green Note, London

7 March               Medina Bookshop, Cowes Isle of Wight

8 March               Bowerhouse, Maidstone

9 March               Chidham Village Hall, nr. Chichester

10 March            Sound Lounge, Sutton

11 March            Temperance, Leamington Spa

12 March            House Concert, Edinburgh

14 March            Folklore Rooms, Brighton

15 March            Cornish Bank, Falmouth

17 March            St Nicholas Church, Baulking

18 March            Pocklington Arts Centre, nr. York

19 March            Bishop’s House, Sheffield

22.March            Cumberland Arms, Newcastle

23 March            The Glad Cafe, Glasgow

24 March            Christ Church, Great Ayton North Yorkshire

25 March            West End Centre, Aldershot

26 March            Square and Compass, Worth Matravers